Statement: Hawaii and Illinois are the Latest States to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), issued the following statement applauding the legalization of same-sex marriage in Hawaii and Illinois:

“Yesterday, the governor of Hawaii signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. The governor of Illinois has pledged to sign their state’s marriage equality bill that the Illinois State Legislature recently passed. I applaud the great efforts of all who helped secure this victory.

These wins for marriage equality, in particular, did not come easily. Advocates, including many Unitarian Universalists, did not give up; instead they persevered in the long campaign against intolerance and inequality.

There are now 16 states with marriage equality, but there are many other states still struggling to change minds, laws, and culture, including Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, and Virginia. In some of these states, individuals are challenging anti-marriage equality laws through legal action. In other states, advocates are working tirelessly to convince elected leaders to proactively vote for legalizing same-sex marriage. No matter the tactics in each of these states, we must continue to do all we can to bring marriage equality to every individual living in this country.

As always, we proudly stand on the side of love for marriage equality.”